Best Late Night Food in Mernda Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every late night food option in Mernda to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Oliver Works is the one everyone knows. Little House is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Mernda sits in the Outer North corridor, 28km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the late night food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Mernda since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ada Bench — 371 Oak Crescent, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ada Bench has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Place is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. River’s — 222 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

River’s has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Hugo Room — 114 Oak Crescent, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (late night food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Hugo Room has been operating in Mernda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Oak Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Hugo Table — 361 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (late night food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Hugo Table has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Mernda Actually Is

End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Was a tiny rural township; now tens of thousands of new residents. The late night food options here reflect Mernda’s character. Whether you’re based in Mernda or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Vera — 207 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (late night food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: solo diners

Vera has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Ada — 358 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (late night food) A local institution Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: groups

Ada has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Oak Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Tall Corner — 155 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (late night food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: families

The Tall Corner has been operating in Mernda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

8. The Red Corner — 189 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Red Corner has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

• South Morang Late Night Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Mernda Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Mernda Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Mernda Complete Guide — everything about Mernda
• Compare Suburbs — see how Mernda stacks up
• All Mernda Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best late night food options in Mernda?

The Tall Table is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Mernda good for late night food?

Yes. Mernda has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Mernda known for?

End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018).

How far is Mernda from Melbourne CBD?

Mernda is 28km, 50min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Mernda to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026